The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) caucus expressed disappointment yesterday over a former chairman's announcement that he would withdraw from the party and called on the president and other party heavyweights to attempt to make him reverse his decision.
"He is a pillar of the party and mentor of our democratization effort," DPP caucus whip Chen Chin-jun (
Chen said he would like to see his caucus, the party, the Cabinet and the Presidential Office make a last-ditch effort to try to change Lin's mind.
Chen made the remarks in response to a statement issued by former DPP chairman Lin I-hsiung (林義雄) yesterday morning.
Lin said in a letter that it would be meaningless for him to remain a DPP member because he has no intention of participating in party affairs nor was he willing to represent the party to run for any public position. He also blamed political feuds for causing social instability.
Lin will be the third DPP chairman to quit the party if his departure becomes a reality. Chen yesterday called on the party to thoroughly examine itself and find out why it is continuing to lose support.
"If Lin insists on leaving, his departure might be the last straw ... [and break] the party's deteriorating momentum," he said. "I hope he will remain."
DPP Legislator William Lai (
"His announcement signifies his deep disappointment over the political feuding," Lai said.
DPP Legislator Chai Trong-rong (
Another faction member, DPP Legislator Lin Kuo-ching (
DPP Legislator Lee Chun-yee (
"If they fail, they should try to find out exactly what went wrong or I'm afraid Lin won't be the last party member to leave," he said.
Calling Lin an "absolutist" thinker, DPP Legislator Lin Chuo-shui (林濁水) said Lin's decision was not surprising and was understandable.
"Although I subscribe to some of his ideas, some are unfathomable to me and no one can predict what his plans ... are," he said. "I don't think I'm capable of commenting on someone who once made such a great contribution to the party and has such a unique way of thinking."
The Taiwan Solidarity Union caucus said that Lin's departure sends an alarming signal to the DPP and expressed hope that the administration would listen to the voice of the people more.
The Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) and People First Party caucuses said Lin's move was meant to show his disappointment in the president. They urged the DPP to consider adjusting the nation's path and ponder whether to continue to listening to Chen's voice only.
DPP chairman since the party was founded in September 1986 (excluding acting chairman/chairwomen)
1.Chiang Peng-chien 江鵬堅
Term started in November 1986. Deceased (2000).
2.Yao Chia-wen 姚嘉文
Term started in December 1987.
3.Huang Hsin-chieh 黃信介
Terms started in October 1988/October 1989. Deceased (1999).
4. Shih Ming-teh 施明德
Term started in May 1994. Left DPP in 2000.
5. Hsu Hsin-liang 許信良
Terms started in July 1991/July 1996. Left DPP in 1999.
6.Lin I-hsiung 林義雄
Term started in July 1998. Plans to leave DPP.
7. Frank Hsieh 謝長廷
Term started in July 2000.
8. Chen Shui-bian 陳水扁
Terms startedin July 2002/July 2004.
9. Su Tseng-chang 蘇貞昌
Term started in January 2005.
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